Formal Fun Shots (or Who Cares About Technique)

Technically speaking there are some things wrong with the above image.  Usually I never put my subjects right in the sun to make them squint and bake to death in their nice clothes.  However, sometimes spontaneous and fun is the way to go.  We were out at Coffee Creek Park for the above shot with some beautiful scenery and I just directed these folks onto these rocks and had them do whatever came to mind.  We took a whole bunch of shots.  I would have loved to have gotten their entire reflection in the water, but I do believe I would have fallen off the bridge I was standing on, had I backed up any further!!

A funny aside to this shot is that I had another wedding party getting ready to have their ceremony right behind me on the bridge.  They were nervous that we would be their all afternoon, but there was no way I'd have my folks out in the sun too long.  So, we got a quick grab image that has some technical problems, but so what.  We had a fun time taking it and it was a hit for the bride and groom's album.

We will definitely have a game plan for your images, but sometimes it's great to just try something off the cuff.

Studio Brides

Okay, so we are going to get great shots of you and your dress at the Ceremony, indoor and outdoor Formals and the Reception too.  However, there is nothing like the pristine environment of the studio.  No wind, no sweat, no stress.  Visit the spa, get your hair and make up done and then bring your mom or a friend over for a studio session that will show off you and your dress in all it's glory.

We can do some special effects like a soft focus, take some tight detail shots, or our version of the classic rose petals on the floor pose.  We do this all with no distractions.  After the wedding, this set of images can become a special chapter of the Wedding Album.  They also make great wall portraits in mom's house.  So, consider becoming a "studio bride".  :)

How To Pose On Your Wedding Day and Beyond

Through out the entire wedding day, myself and my assistant will be there to help pose the bride and groom and their wedding party.  There is an art to posing and a reason why many folks (perhaps you too) tend to say "I don't look good in pictures" and subsequently refuse to let loose in front of the camera.  This is only because they haven't been instructed correctly or haven't been let in on a few secrets.

In The Bride's Room, we have a guide listed called The Pink Poser.  If you really want to get a head start on looking good for any situation where you are in front of the camera, then pick up this pocket sized guide book.  In the meantime, here are a few tips:

• place your weight on the foot farthest from the camera.
• men should lean their head (slightly) to the lower (front) shoulder, and the women to the upper (back) shoulder. 
• women should have some separation of their arms at the waist for a more slimming look
• men with their hands in their pockets and thumbs out
• for all - try to avoid straight arms, or harshly bent arm

Coming soon: Look for an article on posing to be ready for download in The Bride's Room.

All You Need Is Love

Happy Valentine's Day to all my brides and grooms - past, present and future!!  The Bride's Room has a list of some great music and movies for some stay at home dates.

Here are some iTunes links for a few more: 

Breakfast at Tiffany's - An Oscar winning classic starring Audrey Hepburn as a party girl determined to marry her next door neighbor.  

Garden State - A modern love story starring Zach Braff, whose character returns home for a funeral and reconnects with past friends. 

A Sensual World by Kate Bush - Music for when (ahem) the movie ends.  

1972 by Josh Rouse - A retro and mellow singer songwriter outing that feels like the year it's title invokes.  Great Sunday afternoon music.

Stay close and stay warm!!